The American Dream
Who was the man that inspired Gatsby's American Dream?
Dan Cody
Who did Nick see staring at the Green Light?
Gatsby
Who was Tom's mistress?
Myrtle Wilson
What events led Gatsby to earning the rank of Major in the Army?
He showed bravery in the Great War; he took two machine gun detachments far into the Argonne Forest and they defeated 3 German divisions
What events led to Nick moving to New York?
He returned from WWI restless and no longer liking the Midwest, so he decided to go east to learn the bond business.
What is Gatsby's American Dream?
To follow in the footsteps of Dan Cody, gathering so much money and popularity that Daisy would have to love him and choose him over Tom.
Name the place that the Green Light was coming from.
The end of Daisy's dock.
Who were cousins?
Nick and Daisy; second cousins.
Where did Gatsby first meet Daisy?
Her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky
What is Nick's opinion on Tom?
Nick sees Tom as someone who thinks himself better than everyone else; he especially dislikes Tom after the incident the night of Myrtle's death.
What does Gatsby's view on the American Dream suggest about his character?
This suggests Gatsby is a very hopeful man and he believes if he gains all the wealth he can get back his love.
What other ways could the green light be interpreted?
The American Dream
Describe the events that led to Nick and Jordan's relationship ending.
Nick decided he'd had enough of everyone the night of Myrtle's accident, and when they called the next day the conversation was conflicting and stale, and after the phone was hung up sharply they never spoke again.
What other ways could Gatsby's optimism be interpreted?
His optimism is borderline obsessive and crazy, as he is holding out hope for a woman he last saw five years ago and who now has a family.
Compare and contrast Nick's view of the midwest to Gatsby's view.
Nick believes the midwest is the ragged edge of the universe, while Gatsby sees the midwest as the place where his new life began.
Would you have lived such a luxurious life if you had acquired the same wealth as Gatsby?
No, but it comes down to the individual and how much gratification they can get out of an extravagant lifestyle.
What occurs with the green light when Daisy meets Gatsby at Nick's?
The green light diminishes in significance for Gatsby
What does Tom's view on cheating suggest about his character?
His nonchalance towards his own infidelity that crumbled once Daisy had her own man suggests that he is hypocritical and has strong feelings of control over Daisy.
Would you have waited as long as Gatsby did for love?
No, because it reaches a point where you can not put your lively hood on the line and hold yourself back from other happiness at the expense of someone else.
Would you have invited Daisy to tea at Gatsby's request?
No, because after Jordans story about Daisy and Toms wedding it is clear that whatever occurred between Daisy and Gatsby didn't end well, so I would not want to be the one that brings emotional harm back into my families life.
What would the world be like if everyone achieved their own American Dreams?
Could Gatsby's obsession with the green light happen in real life?
Yes, people often have an obsessions with objects and items because they bring comfort and safety. The same way the green light has an emotional hold over Gatsby.
Predict what will happen to Tom and Daisy after Gatsby's death.
Tom would stop taking Daisy for granted, and their relationship may grow without Gatsby in the picture.
What would the world be like if everyone had the hope that Gatsby had?
People would be more committed to dreams because they have an overwhelming hope that good will come from them.
Describe the events at the apartment with Daisy, Gatsby, Tom, and Jordan from Nick's point of view.